Desert Hot Springs Council approves first pay raise since 2020, appoints new Mayor Pro Tem

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. - The Desert Hot Springs City Council approved salary increases for the mayor and councilmembers Tuesday night, marking the city’s first pay adjustment in six years. The council also appointed Dirk Voss as the new mayor pro tem.

The raises were approved unanimously and will return for a final reading and adoption on Feb. 3.

According to city documents, the mayor currently earns $1,429.28 per month, or $2,101.28 with phone and other allowances. Under the proposed increase, the mayor’s monthly salary would rise to $1,899.40, totaling $2,571.40 with allowances.

Councilmembers now receive $1,111.62 per month, or $1,783.62 with allowances. Their salary would increase to $1,632.01 per month, or $2,304.01 with allowances.

City leaders said the raises reflect the first adjustment since 2020 and are intended to align council compensation with a recent survey of Coachella Valley Cities and their base rates and allowances.

The final adoption of the salary changes is expected at the council’s next meeting.